Monticello man arrested after trying to blow up residence

A Monticello man has been taken into custody after setting off an explosion in his home.

David John Costello, 62, was arrested Wednesday night after authorities responded to a domestic disturbance 911 call.

Costello’s wife reported that Costello was threatening to “blow up the residence,” according to a Monticello Police Department news release from Police Chief Britt Smith.

When a Monticello officer and Jones County deputy arrived at the scene, the officers found Costello in the basement of the residence, the release said.

As officers tried to communicate with Costello, he ignited an explosion in the basement, the release said. After the explosion, Costello was taken into custody.

The Monticello Fire Department also responded to extinguish the flames in the home.

The Jones County deputy and Costello were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, the release said.

After surrounding residences were evacuated as a precaution, the Cedar Rapids Hazardous Devices Unit assisted in securing the residence, the release said. The State Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation on the cause and origin of the explosion.

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